Unlike last year Nexus 5X v 6P where there is a significant difference between the specification (eg. Snapdragon 808 v Snapdragon 810). The Pixel line has similar specification so you are able to get the same amount of power regardless of which model you chose. An interesting thing to note is that both Pixel & Pixel XL are smaller than previously Nexus 5X & Nexus 6P in term of screen size, which should be more suitable for one hand usage.

The Pixel comes in three colour – Quite Black, Really Blue & Very Silver (Yes it’s not a hoax).
The end of Nexus line also means the end of affordable stock Google devices, the 32GB Pixel costs US$649 and goes up to US$869 for the XL with 128GB.

With the HTC struggle to bring in HTC 10 into local market for months, we are highly doubtful that Pixel will be available in local market in near future.

Google’s latest Nexus devices, 5X and 6P and also the new Chromecasts were announced early this morning. The Nexus line used to be famed for cheap phones with great specs but took a slightly different route in 2014 with the Nexus 6. 2015 sees two devices this time, with the 6P being the clear premium device, with an all metal body. Fans should also be happy with the return of the popular Nexus 5X, but with a few notable caveats.

According to Chinese website MTK, Google has plans to introduce a lower-cost Nexus smartphone that could cost US$100. This would be a similar processor used in Xiaomi and has Hugo Barra done enough for Google to deem XiaoMi as a potential competitor?

To achieve this, Google is said to utilize MediaTek processors which are generally cheaper than its Qualcomm Snapdragon and NVIDIA Tegra counterparts.

If this is true, this should effectively push down the cost of budget phones like the Moto G and also see increased offerings from LG, Samsung, Sony and the likes who would likely adopt the low cost processor for their budget phones too.

The second key point would also be finally increased support for MediaTek processors which generally had stagnated at 4.2 support due to lack of driver and kernel. It would indirectly benefit Xiaomi users who could possibly upgrade their OS to 4.4 KitKat which would benefit low tier phones more thanks to less resource consumption. One possibility would be for Google to use the MediaTek latest, MT6595, a 4G LTE octa-core smartphone chipset, the first 4G MediaTek chip. And if they can price it at US$100, it would be a significant attack against the other budget phone manufacturers.

If it materialises, the phone would also not be in Singapore any time soon, and based on our past experiences in buying Nexus, the easiest way is through a concierge service. Do note LTE bands would be limited and we may have to go for UK or Japan sets instead. Although Starhub users probably wouldn’t need the 4G support.

Google is having little luck keeping its next flagship smartphone a secret. Could be on purpose too. The so-called Nexus 5 has been heavily leaked, and even directly on Google Play Store as well. Here’s the confirmation on what we now know, and see, and also a little snippet on what to expect come launch day.(more…)

Android 4.3 is now available for download if you have a Google Nexus device. It is one of the key advantages of owning a Google developed phone, as it allows the quickest access to the newest mobile phone operating system. However, at times, upgrading the phone operating system can be a hassle. So, what are you missing out exactly if you are not on Android 4.3? Let us take a quick look at what is new in Android 4.3.(more…)

The new Nexus 7 V2 has broken cover and is now allegedly spotted, with leaked videos and pics. It is inevitable that the new Nexus 7 will be launched soon. The leaks have begin to flow, but sales would likely be for United States (as always) first, and Singapore availability to be by end of the year.(more…)

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean has hit the streets, albeit in a leaked version. A full 4.3 ROM for the Google Play Edition Samsung Galaxy S4 has found its way online. Not the Nexus 4, but for the Galaxy S4 (Google Play Edition) first.(more…)